Planning - Property Maintenance

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS REGARDING TALL GRASS AND WEEDS? (§ 97.10 AND §97.16)

• If an owner has more than five acres, the weeds overgrown grass, and deleterious growth within 50 feet of any street right of way line or residential use property line must be cut.
• The owner of any parcel or lot of five acres or less shall cause to cut weeds, overgrown grass or deleterious growth on the entire lot or parcel.
• Any person who is in charge of or who manages a lot with in the city limits shall not permit weeds, grass, or plants to grow above 10 inches (25.4 centimeters).  This excludes trees, bushes, flowers, or other ornamental plants.

WHAT IS THE REMOVAL PROCESS OF WEEDS AND OTHER PLANT GROWTH BY OWNER?

• The owner of any lot or parcel of land situated within the city limits, whether the same is improved or unimproved vacant or occupied, within five days posted notice to do so, shall cut weeds, overgrown grass or deleterious growth upon such lot or parcel or upon any street, public or tree lawn abutting such lot or parcel.
• The City Manager may serve said five-day notice upon an owner by:
  • Personal service and making a return on such notice or
  • Posting notice on the parcel in violation.
• In the event that the owner does not comply with the provisions of this section, the City Manager is authorized to enforce the provisions of this section and cut weeds, overgrown grass or deleterious growth. To do so, outside contractors are hired to cut the overgrown grass, weeds and plants.
• The fee and expenses for the hired contractors is billed to the lot/property owner, with an attached fine to cover administrative and related costs.

WHAT IS CONSIDERED A JUNK OR INOPERABLE VEHICLE?

A vehicle shall be deemed a junk or inoperable vehicle whenever any one of the following occurs:

• The vehicle is without a valid current registration and/or license plate;
• The vehicle is without fully inflated tires and/or has any type of support under it;
• The vehicle has a substantially damaged or missing windshield, door(s), motor, transmission, or other similar major part;
• The vehicle is being used only for the purpose of storage;
• The vehicle is not operable and drivable within 24 hours after notification.

ARE JUNK VEHICLES ALLOWED TO BE STORED WITH IN CITY LIMITS? (§ 158.123)

• No person in charge or control of any property within the city limits, whether
  it be owner, tenant, occupant, or lessee, shall allow any junk vehicle to remain on property outside of a completely enclosed building.
• No business shall be conducted in connection with any parked or stored junk vehicle except authorized junkyards, scrap metal processing facilities, and automobile repair facilities.
• No junk vehicle shall remain stored or parked in violation of this section after receipt of a notice.

WHAT ARE THE REQUIREMENTS FOR MAINTENANCE ON A PROPERTY? (§ 153.23)

• Exterior property areas have to remain free from the accumulation of rubbish or garbage except in authorized containers or authorized storage areas.
• All properties shall be graded and maintained to prevent the accumulation of stagnant water unless it is part of a storm water detention or retention plan approved by the city.
• All sidewalk, steps, driveways, parking spaces and similar paved areas for public use shall be free of all snow, ice, mud, and other debris.
• All open storage areas shall be reasonably screened from surrounding property by fencing not to exceed six feet in height or by dense, continuous, live, evergreen vegetation.
• The owner or occupant of any building, structure, or property shall not use the property for the open storage of any abandoned appliances, dismantled vehicles, and/or miscellaneous items which pose a threat to personal safety or which adversely affect the value of nearby property or exert a blighting influence thereon.